The Pack

Ch. 6

The first real sense of permanence that Dana has felt in a while is when her dad took her to get her first car. "No more waiting for me. I think it's fair that you shouldn't have to be stuck in the house every time I have a late night/ weekend meeting." Her dad explained as his reasoning. Dana was ecstatic because she felt like they were actually going to stay in one spot for a while. She was hoping to stay until at least graduation. Ever since then she's been driving around with Abigail and going to after school art club meetings... and sometimes the occasional visit to see Bryce, Willow, or Caelum. Bryce has invited her to their house on multiple occasions outside of house parties that she's not allowed to mention when their parents are around. In their house there's always someone coming over, either the kids' friends or parent friends so it's not uncommon but Dana still felt special.

The weather was warming up as second semester started and the school was doing more activities. Dana was so excited to get into art club and even more excited when she could participate in actual activities. She went to museum day, cafe get together, painting class and the pottery class. She was so happy to be a part of something that involved her favorite hobby. Tonight they were having a star gazing night at the park with a telescope from one of the club members. All the events are always open invitation and Dana finally decided to ask someone. "Hey Bryce!" She called out in the courtyard. She knew where to find him, sitting at a table in the back corner with his friends by the stairs. 

"Hey Dana." Bryce responded with a smile that gave Dana butterflies. 

"Can I ask you something?" She asked. 

"Just did." One of Bryce's friends spoke up and laughed with others who found it funny. Bryce ended with antics with only a look. Then he turned back to Dana with a friendly expression and he stood up. 

"Sure." He smiled and they walked away from the table. "So what's up?" He asked. 

"So there's this thing that art club's doing, and obviously it's for everyone, not just art club members, and I was wondering if you wanted to go." She explained, rambling worryfully and figeting with her hands. Bryce smiled, realizing this was the first time she asked him to hang out.

 "Yeah sounds awesome. When is it?" He asked. 

"Tonight." She responded and watched his smile fall. She thought she did something wrong and immediately spoke up. "I'm sorry, was that too short notice?" She asked quickly. 

"No, it's not that it's just that... what time tonight?" He asked. 

"Well, it's a stargazing thing because it's the full moon and Jayden's got a telescope, so it'll be late." She explained, feeling bad. 

"I'm so sorry, I've got a family thing tonight." He replied sadly. He was bummed out that he couldn't hang out with her especially when she asked. 

"Oh, that's fine I totally get it." She replied, tried not to sound bummed out as well. 

"But I would still love to go stargazing with you." He added to ensure she didn't think he was just blowing her off. 

"Yeah, we'll just meet up next month." She said sarcastically. 

"You know, I don't get the hype about full moons." He said which surprised her. "Like, it's just a circle in the sky. You know what I think is cool, the crescent moon." He said and she chuckled. "A toenail in the sky is way cooler than a circle." He continued and she laughed. 

"A toenail?" She laughed. 

"Yeah, don't you think? Or the Cheshire Cat smile." He replied.

"That one I could see." She responded.